4 Reasons the Lexus RZ Is the Most Efficient EV on Sale

Surprising Stat

The Lexus RZ has, without question, caught its fair share of criticism since its launch. Much of this stems from the EV crossover's lack of power and range compared to the competition, but in all fairness, the RZ is positioned as a more comfortable, feature rich, and traditional sort of all-electric vehicle compared to many of its rivals, and it has also gotten quite affordable thanks to the introduction of the RZ300e - which happens to be the most efficient EV on sale today, it seems. 

Photos: Lexus

Powertrain

The RZ300e is EPA-rated to return 125 MPGe, or around 3.7 miles per kWh, which is undoubtedly impressive and far better than the RZ450e, which gets 107 MPGe and returns around 3.2 miles per kWh. Some of this improvement comes from the RZ300e's powertrain, as it utilizes a single electric motor that makes 201 horsepower compared to the dual motor version and its combined output of 308 horsepower. 

Photos: Lexus

Weight

As one might assume, that single change means that the RZ300e is lighter as well, due to the fact that it has one e-motor rather than two - it weighs 4,277 pounds, while the RZ450e tips the scales at 4,564, which helps improve efficiency. Additionally, the lack of a rear motor reduces axle friction, too. 

Photos: Lexus

Front E-Axle Converter

One of the more interesting differences between the RZ300e and RZ450 is the fact that the former uses a more efficient silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductor in its front e-axle inverter, rather than the regular silicon used in the latter model. It's an interesting update, and one that we imagine may ultimately "trickle up" to the RZ450e at some point. 

Photos: Lexus

Wheels and Tires

Finally, most are well aware that the size, weight, and type of wheels and tires can have a big impact on EV efficiency, and that's also the case with the RZ. The base model uses a smaller 235mm rear tire compared to the 255mm on the 450e, as well as a higher factory psi rating - 42.1 psi versus 33.4 psi. Coupled with a larger 72.8 kWh battery pack (the RZ450e has a 71.4 kWh unit), it gives the RZ300e 266 miles of range versus 220 for the base model, and it's notably more efficient, too. 

Photos: Lexus

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